“Winning, winning, is the difference from this year to last year,” a Flyers star defenceman in Ivan Provorov said to me in terms of his game in late December-early January. Provorov is a star already, and he’s only just 23-years-old. This young star is making his 6-year $40.50 million deal ($6.75 Million AAV) look like a bargain at this rate. Provorov elevated his game this season, and he contributes that to ‘Winning.’ For his efforts he was awarded the Barry Ashbee trophy (Given to the Flyers best defensemen) for 2019-20, and this was the second time in four years winning such.
This young stud in Provorov is quickly becoming the face of the franchise for years to come. Proof in the pudding came after a game on November 2, 2017, against the St. Louis Blues. The orange and black defeated the Blues 2-0, as Provorov played nearly half the game amassing 27:11 in ice time. This marked his fourth consecutive game that he was above 27 minutes in ice time. Even more impressive, Provorov was a human shield by blocking a whopping 10 shots. His nine blocked shots through two periods were a franchise record, a record that has stood since 1997.
The former Wheat King product, in Provorov, has registered 43 goals, and registered 90 apples for a total of 133 points in 315 games played for his NHL career. Provorov has earned this new/fair contract, especially after playing with one arm in Game 6 of the 2018 playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Provorov averaged 24:51 in TOI (Time on Ice), per night this season. He plays against top line night after night, along with his partner Matt Niskanen, “He’s a great player, with tons of experience,” Provorov said of Niskanen, “He does everything right out there. He’s very steady, and makes the right plays all the time. It’s fun to play with him.”
He has a Jaromir Jagr like work mentality. He works his butt off just like Jagr did, and I’m sure Provorov was given the keys to the Skate Zone like Jagr was given in 2011-12. One can bet he will be there for 15 hours a day skating, lifting, and getting back in game shape. In addition, Provorov is getting ready to play approximately 40 minutes per night in the playoffs (Sarcasm, but he will play close to 30 minutes a game). Head Coach Alain Vigneault might have some difficulty pulling this kid off the ice, he’s just that darn good. Plus, with all this time off it only bodes well for Provorov and the Flyers.
Provy had a phenomenal year, and this Barry Ashbee Award was well deserved. This type of play below sealed the deal on just how good he is. These are the type of plays he use to make when he played for Brandon.
